Lionel Messi Wins FIFA Player of the Year: Quick Recap

Isaac AsanteDec 22, 2009

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Inarguably, there is more to feel than to say when it comes to remembering the achievement of Lionel Messi last evening during the FIFA World Player Gala 2009; and precisely, this goes to Lionel Messi fans.

The Barcelona 22-year-old superstar Lionel Messi surpassed Cristiano Ronaldo, Xavi Hernandez, Ricardo Kaka, and Andres Iniesta to clinch the FIFA World Player of the Year 2009 award in Zurich, on December 21.

Probably, one might think that this was well deserved, but undoubtedly, there will always be a number of football lovers who will argue over this issue, specifying that another player should have been given the honor.

In any case, Lionel Messi looks quite happy to have made such a huge accomplishment, and he didn't hesitate to express his joy to the media.

“I am just very happy. It is so lovely to get this recognition from colleagues and coaches. That is what makes it even more important to me. The fact that I am the first player from Argentina to win it (the FIFA World Player of the Year 2009), is also a great honor.”

Lionel Messi finished ahead of runner-up Cristiano Ronaldo with 1,073 votes, while the Real Madrid winger could only earn 352 votes. Xavi Hernandez, Ricardo Kaka, and Andres Iniesta then followed up with 196, 190, and 134 votes respectively.